best dark historical romance novels

One great one is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. It has a dark and brooding atmosphere with a complex love story set in a historical context. Heathcliff and Catherine's relationship is passionate yet filled with pain and revenge. Another is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The unnamed protagonist is haunted by the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca, in a large, spooky mansion. It's a tale full of mystery and a rather dark form of love. And 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' by Anne Bronte also fits. It delves into the dark side of marriage and relationships during that historical era.

One more to add is 'The Wolf and the Dove' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It has a dark and passionate love story set in medieval times. The relationship between Wulfgar and Aislinn is filled with conflict and power struggles within the historical context. Also, 'The Black Moth' by Georgette Heyer is a good pick. The dark - haired Jack Carstares and his love story in the historical Georgian era has elements of mystery and adventure.

One of the best is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. It has elements of dark romance with the passionate yet tortured relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. Their love is full of envy, revenge, and an almost otherworldly intensity that makes it a classic in the genre.

One common theme is forbidden love. In a historical context, there might be social barriers like class differences or family feuds that make the love between two characters forbidden. For example, in many novels set in the Victorian era, a commoner falling in love with an aristocrat was a big no - no.

One popular historical dark romance novel is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. It has elements of dark passion and complex relationships set in a historical context. Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, which also contains a dark and brooding love story within its historical setting. 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker can also be considered in a way, as it has a dark and somewhat romantic undertone in the relationship between the characters, all within a historical and gothic backdrop.

A great best dark romance novel is 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Gaston Leroux. The relationship between Christine and the Phantom is full of mystery, obsession, and a touch of the macabre. It's a classic that has been adapted many times due to its unique and dark take on love. 'Dark Lover' by J.R. Ward is also a popular choice. It's part of a series and has a very intense and dark relationship between the main characters, set in a world of vampires and other supernatural beings. And 'Beautiful Disaster' by Jamie McGuire has a relationship that is both passionate and full of turmoil, with a hero who has a bit of a dark side.

One of the great ones is 'Redeeming Love' by Francine Rivers. It's a powerful retelling of the story of Hosea set in the 1850s California Gold Rush. The story is filled with themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, and the characters are richly drawn.

One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's set in the early 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a classic example of romantic tension and growth. Their initial misunderstandings and the slow - burning love that develops make it a must - read for any historical romance lover.

One of the best historical romance novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It beautifully depicts the social norms and romantic relationships in 19th - century England. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is both complex and charming.

One great lesbian historical romance novel is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's set in Victorian England and is full of twists and turns. The relationship between the two main characters is complex and gradually unfolds in a very engaging way. Another is 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It was quite revolutionary for its time, exploring a lesbian relationship in a 1950s setting. And 'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters as well. It tells a story of a young girl's journey into the world of the music hall and her relationships with other women in a historical context.